Anthelmintic compositions and methods using 2 - substituted benzimidazoles and organo-phosphates



United States Patent ANTHELMINTIC COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS USING 2 SUBSTITUTED BEN ZIMIDAZOLES AND ORGANO-PHOSPHATES Joseph Di Netta, Watchung, and John R. Egerton, Neshanic Station, N.J., assignors to Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., a corporation of New Jersey No Drawing. Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 456,517, May 17, 1965. This application Apr. 21, 1969, Ser. No. 818,137

Int. Cl. A61k 27/00 U.S. Cl. 424-200 20 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The anthelmintic activity of 2-substituted benzimidazoles and organo-phosphates is greatly enhanced when either of them is administered to domestic animals in the presence of the other. Administration of 2-substituted benzimidazoles and organo-phosphates simultaneously in a. single composition, or sequentially within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction, affords a higher anthelmintic response than is achieved by administration of either component alone.

This application is a continuation-in-part of prior copending application Ser. No. 456,517, filed May 17, 1965, now abandoned.

This invention relates to compositions and methods useful in the treatment of parasitic diseases in animals. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions containing organo-phosphates and Z-substituted benzimidazoles in which the anthelmintic action of the composition is demonstrably enhanced over that expected from U the activity of either ingredient when used alone, and to methods for using said compositions. Specifically, it relates to the methods and compositions above mentioned wherein the organo-phosphates contain homocyclic or heterocyclic or mixed cyclic systems, substituted or unsubstituted.

Helminthiasis is a widely occurring disease affecting animals, including humans, and causes large economic losses in the domesticated animal industry. Particularly susceptible to the disease are ruminants such as sheep, cattle, and goats, and equines such as horses and mules. A wide variety of anthelmintic agents have been discovered and have varying degrees of efficacy on the particular helminths causing the infections. Among such classes of materials is a family of 2-substituted benzimidazoles. Also of some interest has been a series of organo-phosphates most of which, while possessing anthelmintic activity, have the disadvantage of being toxic at levels dangerously close to the eflicacious levels. In view of the large economic interest in the prevention and control of helminthiasis, modern-day research, in addition to seeking new classes of anthelmintically active materials, is also directed to finding ways for eliminating disadvantages in, and improving the efficacy of, the currently known anthelmintic agents.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide compositions possessing a high degree of anthelmintic activity. Another object is to provide compositions which contain effective anthelmintic and antifungal 2- substituted benzimidazoles and organo-phosphates in which the anthelmintic potency and efficacy of the composition is enhanced over the additive effect of the 2-substituted benzimidazole and organo-phosphate. Yet a further object is to provide methods for treating helminthiasis with organo-phosphates with the substantial absence of significant toxic eflects. Still another objectisto provide a method for treating helminthiasis with compositions containing anthelmintically active 2-substituted benzimidazoles and organo-phosphates wherein the dosage levels are substantially reduced over those required when each is administered alone. These and other objects will appear from the detailed description which follows.

According to the present invention, it has been surprisingly discovered that the anthelmintic activity of 2- substituted benzimidazoles and organo-phosphates can be greatly enhanced when either of them is administered to the host animal in the presence of the other. Thus, in one of its preferred aspects, the invention provides novel 2-component compositions wherein one component is at least one compound of a class of organo-phosphates and the other component is at least one anthelmintically active 2-substituted benzimidazole. The 2-substituted benzimidazoles contemplated for use in the present invention have the following structural formula:

Rz- W where R is thiazolyl, isothiazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrryl, furyl, halofuryl, thienyl, naphthyl, halonaphthyl, such as 2-naphthyl-3-fluoro, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, coumarinyl, thiacoumarinyl, phenyl, or halophenyl, R is hydrogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, lower alkyl, alkenyl, or acyl such as alkanoyl and aroyl, exemplified by acetyl, propionyl, butyryl, benzoyl, and the like, R and R are hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, halogen, phenyl, halophenyl, phenoxy, thienyl, or trifluoromethyl. Also contemplated for use are the nontoxic acid addition salts of the foregoing compounds. There may also be employed the nontoxic metal complexes or chelates of the foregoing benzimidazoles R is hydrogen. Typical of the 2-substituted benzimidazoles which may be employed are 2-(4-thiozolyl benzimidazole,

2- (2'-thiozolyl) benzimidazole,

2-( 4-thiazolyl) -5 -methyl benzimid azole, 2-(2-thiazolyl)-5,6-dimethyl benzimidazole, 2- (4'-thiazolyl) -5 -trifluoromethyl benzimidazole, 2-3-thienyl) benzimidazole,

2-phenyl benzimidazole,

2- 2'-chlorophenyl) benzimidazole, l-methyl-Z-phenyl benzimidazole, 2-phenyl-5,6-dimethyl benzimidazole, 2-phenyl-5-ethoxy benzimidazole,

2- 2'-thienyl) benzimidazole, 1-methyl-2-(2'-thienyl) benzimidazole,

1,5 -dimethyl-2- 2'-thienyl benzimidazole, 2- (2-thienyl) -5,6-dimethyl benzimidazole, 2-(2'-thienyl)-S-methyl benzimidazole, 1-ethyl-2-( 3 -thienyl benzimidazole, 1-allyl-2- 3 -thienyl benzimidazole,

2( 3-thienyl) -S,6-dimethoxy benzimidazole, 2- (2-furyl benzimidazole,

2- 3'-furyl benzimidazole,

1-metha1lyl-2- 3 '-furyl) benzimidazole, 1-butyl-2-(2'-furyl benzimidazole,

2- 2-pyrryl) benzimidazole,

2- 3 -pyrryl benzimid azole, 1-ethyl-2-(2-pyrryl) benzimidazole, 1-ally1-2-(3'-pyrry1)benzimidazole,

2- (2'-pyrryl) -5-ethoxy benzimidazole, 2-(2'-pyridyl) benzimidazole,

2- 3 '-pyridy1) benzimidazole,

2-( 2'-pyrazinyl) benzimidazole,

2- 3'-coumarinyl) benzimidazole, 2-(3'-thiacoumarinyl)benzimidazole, and 2- (2'-naphthyl benzimidazole.

Preferred among the foregoing for use in the present invention are 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole, 2-(2-thiazolyl)benzimidazole, 2-phenyl benzimidazole, 2-(3- thienyl)benzimidazole, 2-(2'-thienyl)benzimidazole, 2- (2-furyl)benzimidazole, and 2-(2'-pyrryl)benzimidazole, and most preferred is 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole. Also, nontoxic acid addition salts of the foregoing compounds may be employed. Nontoxic is used in this specification in the sense that said salts do not produce intolerable side effects when administered at effective dosage levels. Such acid addition salts as are obtained from the hydrohalic acids, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, citric acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, and the like, may be used.

The nontoxic metal complexes or chelates are comprised of a metal salt and the 2-substituted benzimidazole with R being hydrogen. They may normally be prepared by refluxing an aqueous mixture of the metal salt and the Z-substituted benzimidazole, preferably as the acid addition salt, and the resulting metal complex recovered by conventional techniques. The metal salts contemplated are those comprising an anion and a metal cation such as mercury, copper, lead, zinc, iron, cobalt, nickel, chromium, manganese, silver, cadmium, molybdenum, tungsten, or tin. The preferred metals are iron, cobalt, nickel, and copper. The anions are illustrated by the halides such as hydrochloride and hydrobromide, nitrate, sulfate, borate, carbonate, stannate, phosphate, nitrite, thiocyanate, perchlorate, permanganate, arsenate, stibnate, acetate, propionate, benzoate, and the like. The preferred metal salts are cobaltous chloride, cupric chloride, ferric chloride, cobaltous nitrate, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate, cobalt propionate, iron acetate, mercuric bromide, copper acetate, and the like.

The organo-phosphates that may be employed in the present invention are selected from the class of compounds having the structural formula Where X is oxygen or sulfur, Y is OR., or NHR R, is alkyl, straight chain or branched, such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, octyl, decyl, and the like, or haloalkyl such as chloromethyl, bromomethyl, 2 chloroethyl, 2-bromoethyl, chloropropyl, chlorobutyl, and the like, A is a homocyclic or a heterocyclic system such as phenyl, coumarinyl, or naphthaloximido, R R and R are hydrogen, halogen such as chloro, bromo, and fluoro, or alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, isopropyl, butyl, t-butyl, octyl, dodecyl, and the like, and n is or 1 and is 0 when A is coumarinyl. The preferred organo-phosphates are those wherein A is naphthaloximido and coumarinyl. Representative of the compounds within the foregoing formula are naphthaloximido compounds of the formula wherein R R R R Y, and X are as above defined, and the attachment lines from R R and R into the bracket signify attachments in either or both of the benzo rings. Typical of such compounds are 0,0-diethyl-O- naphthaloximido phosphate, 0,0-dimethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate, 0,0-dipropyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate, 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphorothioate, and the like; phenyl compounds of the formula 4 wherein R R R R Y, and X are as above defined and represented by compounds such as O-methyl-O- 4-t-butyl-2-chlorophenyl methyl phosphoroamidate, O-methyl-O-(4-methyl-2-chlorophenyl)methyl phosphoroamidate, O-ethyl-O-(4-t-butyl-2-chlorophenyl)ethyl phosphoroamidate, O-methyl-O-(4-t-butyl-2-chlorophenyl)methyl phosphoroamidothioate, 0,0-dimethyl-O-2,4,S-trichlorophenyl phosphorothioate, 0,0-diethyl-O-2,4,S-trichlorophenyl phosphorothioate, 0,0-dimethyl-O-2,4,5-tribromophenyl phosphorothioate, 0,0-dimethyl-O-2,4,S-trichlorophenyl phosphate, 0,0-diethyl-O-2,4,S-trichlorophenyl phosphate, and the like; and coumarinyl compounds of the formula wherein R R R Y, and X are as previously defined, and represented by such compounds as 0,0-di(2-chloroethyl -O- 3-chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl phosphate,

0,0-di( 2-chlor0methyl) -O-(3 -chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl)phosphate,

0,0di(2-bromoethyl)-O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl phosphate,

0,0-di(2-chloroethyl)-O-(3-bromo-4-ethyl-7- coumarinyl )phosphate, 0,0-diethyl-O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl phosphate, 0,0-dimethyl-O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl)-phosphate, 0,0-diethyl-O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-7- coum arinyl phosphorothioate, C,O-dimethyl-O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl)phosphorothioate, and the like.

Preferred among the foregoing are the coumarinyl and the naphthaloximido compounds, and most preferred for use in the invention are 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate and 0,0-di(2 chloroethyl) O-3 chloro 4- methyl-7-coumarinyl) phosphate. Thus, the most preferred compositions of the present invention are those comprising 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole with 0,0-diethyl-O- naphthalaloximido phosphate and 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole with 0,0-di(2-chloroethyl)-O-(3-chloro-4-methyl- 7coum arinyl) phosphate.

With regard to the individual amounts of the Z-substituted benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate used in the compositions, it is a feature of the invention that reduced dosages of the order of from one-fifth to one-half those normally employed for the individual ingredients if used alone may be employed. Such amounts will depend upon the activity of the organo-phosphates in the presence of the Z-substituted benzimidazole, and such should, of course, be considered in determining the amounts sufiicient to provide an effective dosage for the proper treatment of the parasitic infection. These amounts will vary depending on the mode of treatment, the activity of the components, the size of the host, and the severity of infection. The compositions are highly effective against a phenothiazine-resistant strain of Haemonchus contortus and the strongyle species commonly found in sheep and cattle and ordinarily result in an overall efficacy of from about 1.5-4.0 times the efiicacy that would be expected from the sum of the individual activities of each component if each Were used alone. In this regard, neither of the active ingredients need be present at such dosage levels as to be anthelmintically active itself, it having been discovered that the compounds will display the augmented anthelmintic performance even when employed at levels which, if used alone, would not be anthelmintically active in the host. This is not a preferred mode of operation, however, but serves to demonstrate that the dosage level of the organo-phosphates, which are toxic substances, can be substantially reduced over uSe levels heretofore employed. Generally, when single unit dosage forms such as tablets, boluses, or drenches are desired to be administered to the animal, suitable results are obtained when the compositions contain enough of the benzimidazole, in the presence of the organo-phosphate, to provide a dosage level of the benzimidazole of from 0.1-450 mg./kg. of animal body weight.

The amount of organo-phosphate used in the compositions in conjunction with the foregoing dosage levels of the benzimidazoles and for which the enhancing action will ordinarily be obtained is generally an amount sufficient to provide from about 0.02 to 1.5 times the benzimidazole dosage level. On a weight ratio basis, therefore, this range corresponds to a benzimidazole:organo-phosphate ratio in the composition of from 1:0.02-1 1.5. Preferably, the ratio ranges from 1:0.03-1:0.5. Stated another way, the organo-phosphates are suitably present in the compositions to the extent of from 2-150% and preferably 3-50% based on the weight of 2-substituted benzimidazole present in the composition. Best results are obtained from compositions containing 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole in amount sufiicient to provide a dosage level of from 550 mg./kg. of body weight and sufficient of the most preferred organo-phosphates to provide a dosage level of from 375 mg./kg. of animal body weight depending upon the particular parasites being treated. It will be noted by those skilled in the art that these levels of organo-phosphates are significantly reduced over those heretofore employed.

The combined amounts of each compound in the com position, as well as the remaining constituents of the composition, will vary according to the type of treatment to be employed, the host animal, and the particular parasitic disease being treated. In general, however, compositions containing a total weight percent of the benzimidazole and organo-phosphate ranging from 0.001 to 95% will be suitable, with the remainder being any suitable carrier or vehicle. Within this range, the relative amounts of benzimidazole compound to organo-phosphate is not critic-a1 except to the extent that the resulting composition is pharmaceutically effective, considering the degree to which each compound enhances the anthelmintic activity of the composition as described above. When the compositions are to be solid unit dosage forms as in tablets or boluses, the ingredients other than the benzimidazoles a and organo-phosphates may be any other acceptable vehicles convenient in the preparation of such forms, and preferably materials nutritionally suitable such as starch, lactose, talc, magnesium stearate, vegetable gums, and the like. In such forms, the combined amounts of anthelmintic ingredients conveniently ranges from about 5% to 80% by Weight of the total composition.

When the unit dosage form is to be in the form of a drench, the benzimidazoles and organo-phosphates may be mixed with agents which will aid in the subsequent suspending of the anthelmintic ingredients in water, such as bentonite, clays, water soluble starches, cellulose derivatives, gums, surface active agents, and the like to form a dry predrench composition, and this predrench composition added to water just before use. In the predrench formulation, in addition to the suspending agent, such ingredients as preservatives, antifoaming compounds, and the like may be employed. Such a dry product may contain over 95% by weight of the anthelmintic compounds, the rest being contributed by the excipients. Preferably, the solid composition contains from to .95 by weight of the combined weights of the benzimidazole and organo-phosphates. Enough water should be added to the solid product to provide the proper dosage level Within a convenient amount of liquid for a single oral dose. A commonly used measure in the field is one fluid ounce of material and thus that one fluid ounce of material should contain enough of the compounds to provide the effective dosage level. Liquid drench formulations containing from about 10 to percent by Weight of dry ingredients will, in general, be suitable, with the preferred range being from 15 to 50 weight percent.

Where the compositions are intended to be used as feeds, feed supplements, or feed premixes, they will be mixed with suitable ingredients of an animals nutrient ration. The solid orally ingestible carriers normally used for such purposes, such as distillers dried grains, corn meal, citrus meal, fermentation residues, ground oyster shells, Attapulgus clay, wheat shorts, molasses solubles, corn cob meal, edible vegetable substances, toasted dehulled soya flour, soybean mill feed, antibiotic mycelia, soya grits, crushed limestone, and the like are all suitable. The anthelmintic agents are intimately dispersed or admixed throughout the solid inert carrier by methods such as grinding, stirring, milling, or tumbling. By selecting proper diluents and by altering the ratio of carrier to active ingredient, compositions of any desired concentration may be prepared. Feed supplement formulations containing from about 5% to about 50% by weight, and preferably from about 1030% by weight of active ingredient are particularly suitable for addition to feeds. The active compounds are normally dispersed or mixed uniformly in the diluent but in some instances may be adsorbed on the carrier.

These supplements are added to the finished animal feed in an amount adequate to give the final concentration desired for controlling or treating helminthiasis by way of the animal ration. Although the preferred level in feeds will depend on the particular compounds being employed, the combined weights of benzimidazole and or-gano-phosphate of this invention are normally fed at levels of 0.05- 25% in the feed. Where the treatment is prophylactic, smaller amounts may be employed, suitably of the order of 0.001-3.0 weight percent based on the weight of feed, and may be administered over long periods. An advantageous method of administering the compositions of this invention to animals whose feeds are conveniently pelleted, such as sheep, is to incorporate them directly in the pellets. For instance, the compositions of the present invention are readily incorporated in nutritionally adequate alfalfa pellets (during the pelleting operation) at levels of about 2 to grams per pound of pellets for therapeutic use, and at lower levels for prophylactic use, and such pellets fed to the worm-infected animals. Alternatively, the anthelmintic compositions may be incorpo rated in salt licks or salt blocks at any desired concentra tion (concentrations of 525% by weight are conveniently employed). Large animals, such as sheep and cattle, then receive the anthelmintics with their salt.

Although it is preferred to administer the organophosphate with the 2-substituted benzimidazole together in a single composition, it is an added feature of the invention that the two compounds need not be administered simultaneously in one formulation. They may be administered separately, each in its own formulation if desired, to obtain the enhancing action referred to, provided that the administration of each is performed within such period of time as will allow the beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and organo-phosphate against the helminths. This period of time will 'vary between different species of animal and from compound to compound. However, administration of one compound within as much as six hours of the other may be performed. If this mode of operation is practiced, the period is preferably not more than one hour.

The Z-substituted benzimidazoles wherein R is hydroxy or alkoxy may be prepared by treating an o-nitro-anilide of the formula where R, R and R are as previously defined, in a heterogeneous solvent system containing water and an organic solvent immiscible in water to reduce the nitro group to the hydroxylamino group. Solvents such as benzene, toluene, and the like may be employed. The reducing agents particularly suitable for the conversion are water soluble metal hydrosulfides, for example, ammonium hydrosulfide or sodium hydrosulfide or potassium hydrosulfide. The reduction is preferably carried out at temperatures from about C. to about C. As a result of this operation, the 2-substituted benzimidazoles wherein R is hydroxy are obtained, ring closure being effected in the reducing step. Example 4 hereinafter shows a method which may be employed generally to produce said compounds.

The 2-substituted benzimidazoles wherein R is alkoxy are prepared from the foregoing 2-substituted benzimidazoles wherein R is hydroxy by treating the hydroxy drenches each containing one of the organo-phosphates listed in Table I alone. Another group is comprised of individual drenches containing the compositions listed in Table I. Drenches containing 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole alone are also prepared. Each drench is administered as a single oral dose to separate groups of hosts at the indicated dosage level. At the time of treatment, the in fection is eight days old and in a stage of development generally considered to be least responsive to chemotherapy. Worms remaining after treatment are determined at necropsy two days after dosing. Eflicacy is determined as percent reduction in number of Haemonchus contortus in treated animals compared to the numbered harbored by untreated infected control animals. The percent reduction in worms is calculated from the formula where He is the average number of Haemonchus in untreated infected control animals and Ht is the average number of Haemonchus in the treated group. The efficacy of the formulations containing both the organo-phosphate and the 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole is compared in Table I to the expected eificacy expressed as the sum of the activities of each compound when administered alone at the same dosage level as is employed in the composition.

TABLE I X 100=percent reduction Efiicacy, percent reduction from composition 1 Dosage, Composition mg./kg. Actual Expected 2-(4I1-thiazolyl)benzimidazole plus 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phos- 50 plus 7.86.... 79 51 Z-Etfitlgiazolyl) benzimidazole plus 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phos- 100 plus 3.93.-- 91 11 p a e.

2-(4kl-tiliazolyl) benzimidazole plus 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloxirnido phos- 25 plus 3.93.... 37 11 p a e.

2-(4xl-tgiiazolyl)benzimidazole plus 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phos- 100 plus 3.93..- 84 41 p a e.

2-(4I1-tlt1iazolyl)benzirnidazole plus 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phos- 50 plus 3.93...- 66 22 p a e.

2(4ll-t%1iazo1yl)benzimidazole plus 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phos- 25 plus 3.93.... 48 22 Z-EU-thiazolyl)benzimidazole lus 0,0-di(2-chloroethyl)-O-(3-chloro-4- 100 plus 17.83.. 79 42 methyl-7-coumarinyl)phosp ate.

2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole lus 0,0-di(2-chloroethyl)-O-(3-chloro-4- 50 plus 17.83--. 69 42 methyl-7-coumarinyDphosp ate.

2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole plus 0,0-dirnethyl-O-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl 100 plus 25- 27 phosphorothioate.

2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole plus 0,0-dimethyl-O-2,4,5-trichlorophenyl 100 plus 50. 59 28 hosphorothioate. 2- 4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole plus O-methyl-O-(4-t-butyl-2-chlorophenyl) 100 plus 68 54 methyl phosphoroamidate.

l The sum of percent reductions for the organo-phosphate and the 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole when administered alone.

compound with a strong base and an alkylating agent corresponding to the alkyl moiety of the alkoxy group desired at R Suitable bases are alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium and potassium hydroxide whereas suitable alkylating agents are methyl and ethyl iodide, dimethyl sulfate, diethyl sulfate, and the like. The temperature of the reaction is preferably maintained at between 40 and 120 C. The alkoxy substituted benzimidazole may be isolated and purified by techniques well known in the art. Example 5 appearing hereinafter is considered to be representative of methods for preparing the alkoxides. Example 6 appearing hereinafter is considered to be representative of a method for preparing the metal complexes or chelates of those Z-substituted benzimidazoles wherein R is hydrogen previously referred to.

The following examples are given for the purpose of illustration only and not by way of limitation.

Example 1 Experimental infections of a phenothiazine-resistant strain of the large stomach worm Haemonchus contortus, of sheep are established in Haemonchus-free hosts. Three groups of separate drench suspensions are prepared using a 2% (W./v.) methyl cellulose aqueous suspension vehicle. One group of drenches is made up of separate As can be seen from the foregoing table, the actual efficacy of the compositions containing both the organophosphate and the benzimidazole generally far exceed what is to be expected from the sum of individual activities. It is also to be noted that such efiicacy is obtained at organo-phosphate dosage levels substantially below those normally employed when used alone.

Example 1-A Experimental infections of a phenothiazine resistant strain of the large stomach worm Haemonchus contortus, of sheep were established in Haemonchus-free hosts. Three groups of separate drench suspensions were prepared using a 2% (w./v.) methyl cellulose aqueous suspension vehicle. One group of drenches was made up of separate drenches each containing one of the organo phosphates listed in Table IA alone. Another group was comprised of individual drenches containing the compositions listed in Table I-A.

Drenches containing the various benzimidazoles alone were also prepared. Each drench was administered as a single oral dose to separate groups of hosts at the indicated dosage level. At the time of treatment, the infection was eight days old and in a stage of development generally considered to be least responsive to chemotherapy.

Worms remaining after treatment were determined at necropsy two days after dosing. Efiicacy was determined as percent reduction in number of Haemonchus contortus in treated animals compared to the number harbored by untreated infected control animals. The percent reduction in worms was calculated from the formula 100=percent reduction where Hc is the average number of Haemonchus in un treated infected control animals and Hz is the average number of Haemonchus in the treated group. The efficacy of the formulations containing both the organo-phosphate and the benzimidazole is compared in Table LA to the expected efficacy expressed as the sum of the activities of each compound when administered alone at the same dosage level as is employed in the composition.

10 separate drenches each containing one of the organephosphates listed in Table I-B. Another group was comprised of individual drenches containing the compositions listed in Table I-B.

Drenches containing the various benzimidazoles alone were also prepared. Each drench was administered as a single oral dose to separate groups of hosts at the indicated dosage level. At the time of treatment, the infection was eight days old and in a. stage of development generally considered to be least responsive to chemo therapy. Worms remaining after treatment were determined at necropsy two days after dosing. Effioacy was determined as percent reduction in number of Haemonchus contorlus in treated animals compared to the number harbored by untreated infected control animals. The

TABLE I-A Eflicaey percent reduction from Dosage, mg. /kg. composition Organo- Benzim- Organo- Benzimidazole phosphate idazole phosphate Control 1 Actual 1-methyl-2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole DNOP 300 5 1 87 D 300 10 55 96 100 10 37 82 300 10 29 79 300 20 27 60 100 20 9 68 100 11 46 100 0 59 100 29 50 100 5 39 67 100 10 37 77 D C C P 100 10 0 59 2-(3'-tl1ia-1-coumarinyl) benzimidazole DN OP 100 5 14 61 100 10 44 72 D C G I? 100 10 8 53 100 20 16 42 2-(3-chl0ro 2-iury1)benzimidazole DNOP 100 5 51 2-(biphenylyl)benzimidazole DNOP 100 5 25 5 1 2-(3-fluoro 2 naphthyl) benzimidazole DCCP 100 10 29 53 1 The control efficacy is the sum of the efiiicacies oi the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate when administered se arately.

orE: DN P signifies 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximidophosphate and DCCP signifies 0,0-di(2-chlor0- ethyil yO-(3-chloro-4rmethyl-7-coumarinyl)phosphate.

Experiments summarized in Table I-A above show that in each of the tests set forth herein, the anthelmintic activity of compositions containing both the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate is greatly in excess of the sum of the efiicacies of each of the individual components of said compositions when administered separately.

Example 1-B Experimental infections of aphenothiazine resistant strain of the large stomach worm Haemonchus contor'tus, of sheep were established in Haemonchus-free hosts. Three groups of separate drench suspensions were prepared using a 2% (w./v.) methyl cellulose aqueous suspension vehicle. One group of drenches was made up of percent reduction in worms was. calculated from the formula H c-Ht T X percent reduction Efllciency percent reduction from 1 The control efficiency is the sum of the etficacies of the henzimidazole and the organephosphate when administered separately.

NOTE DNOP signifies O,O diethyl-O-naphthaloximidophosphate and DCCP signifies O,Q-dl(2-ch1or0ethy1) -0- 3-chlono-4-methyl-7-coumariny1) phosphate.

Experiments summarized in Table IB above show that in each of the tests set forth therein, the anthelmintic activity of compositions containing both the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate is greatly in excess of the sum of the efficacies of each of the individual components of said compositions when administered separately.

Example 2 A drench is prepared by suspending the following ingredients in one quart of water. The ingredients may be blended into a dry mix first and the entire mix added to the water or they may be individually added to the water.

2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole 25.0 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate (62.6%

by weight active ingredients) 8.0 Polysorbate 80 polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80; available from Atlas Chem. Co.) 0.13 Sorbitan monolaurate (Span 20; available from Atlas Chem. Co.) 0.13 Antifoam AF (emulsion of dimethylpolysiloxane;

available from Dow-Corning) 0.06 Pregelatinized starch 40.7

The total volume of the drench obtained after one quart of water is added is about 33 fluid ounces and contains about 5 g. of the organo-phosphate in addition to the benzimidazole compound. Each fluid ounce contains about 0.759 g. of 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and about 0.15 g. of 0,0-diethyl--naphthaloximido phosphate.

Example 3 A bolus containing 2-phenyl benzimidazole and 0,0- di(2 chloroethyl) O (3 Ch10ro-4methyl-7-coumarinyl) phosphate suitable for oral administration to domesticated animals of about 50 pounds of body weight is prepared from the following ingredients:

G. 2-phenyl benzimidazole 3.3 0,0-di(2-chloroethyl) O (3-chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl)phosphate (71.3 weight percent active ingredient) 0.93 Dicalcium phosphate 3.0 Starch 0.535

Guar gum 0.15 Talc 0.14 Magnesium stearate 0.04

The dicalcium phosphate is thoroughly mixed with the 2-phenyl benzimidazole and the 0,0-di(2-chloroethyl)- 0 (3-chloro-4-methyl-7-coumarinyl)phosphate and the mixture reduced to a particle size finer than 60 mesh. To the mixture is added 0.330 g. of starch in the form of an aqueous starch paste and the resulting mixture granulated in the usual manner. The granules are then passed through a No. 10 mesh screen and dried at 1l0130 F. for about 18 hours, and the dried material then passed through a No. 16 mesh screen. The guar gum and the balance of the starch are added and the mixture thoroughly blended. The remainder of the ingredients are then added and the whole thoroughly mixed and compressed.

Example 4.2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole-l-oxide To a solution of 24.92 g. of N-(o-nitrophenyl)thiazole- 4-carboxamide in 350 ml. methylene chloride is added 27.6 g. of sodium hydrosulfide dihydrate in 200 ml. of water over two hours at 5 C. Calcium chloride (10.0 g.) in 20 ml. of water is then added and the mixture is stirred vigorously at 5 C. for six hours and at room temperature for 18 hours. After addition of g. of ammonium chloride and one hour of stirring, the solid is filtered and washed with water. It is then dissolved in 200 ml. of water by addition of 10% hydrochloric acid until pH 1.2 is achieved. Insoluble impurities are filtered off and the pH of the clear filtrate is adjusted to pH 7 by addition of 6 N ammonium hydroxide. The precipitate is filtered, washed with water and dried in vacuo. Substantially pure 2(4- thiazolyDbenzimidazole-l-oxide is obtained by recrystallization of the crude material from ethanol; M.P. 237 238 C.

Example 5.-1-methoxy-2-(4'-thiazolyl) benzimidazole 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole-l-oxide (0.651 g.) is added to a solution of 0.12 g. of sodium hydroxide in 6 ml. of methanol. To the clear solution is added 0.465 g. of methyliodide and the mixture is heated at 5560 C. for five hours. The solvent is removed in vacuo. The oily residue is diluted with 5 ml. of water and solidifies on standing. l-methoxy 2 (4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole is separated by filtration, washed with water, and recrystallized from (1:1) methanol-water; M.P. 117-118" C.

Example 6.Iron sulfate-2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole complex 0.2 mole of 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and 0.3 mole of ferrous sulfate are admixed and 130 ml. of water are added thereto. The mixture is refluxed for two hours. The resulting suspension is cooled, filtered, the iron sulfate- 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole complex formed is washed with water, and dried at C. in vacuo. The product contains 67.8 weight percent of 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole.

What is claimed is:

1. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal from 25 to mg./kg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)-benzimidazole and from 0.15 to 0.03 part by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

2. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal from 50 to 100 mg./kg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.35 to 0.17 part by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0-di(2-chloroethyl) O (3 chloro 4 methyl 7 coumarinyl)phosphate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

3. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal 100 mg./kg. of 2-(4' thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.25 to 0.5 part by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of O,O dimethyl-O- 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl phosphorothioate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

4. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal 100 mg./kg. of 2-(4'-triazoly1)benzimidazole and 50 mg. kg. of O-methyl- O-(4-t-butyl 2 chlorophenyl)methyl phosphoroamidate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

5. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal from 100 to 300 mg./kg. of 1-methyl-2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.1 to 0.02 part by weight relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

6. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal from 100 to 300 mg./ kg. of 1-methyl-2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.2 to 0.03 part by weight, relative to the benzimida- 13 zole, of 0,0-di-(2 chloroethyl)-O-(3-chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl)phosphate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

7. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal 100 mg./kg. of l-methoxy-Z-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and 5 mg./kg. of 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

8. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal 100 mg./kg. of l-methoxy-Z-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.1 to 0.2 part by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0- di-(Z-chloroethyl)-O-(3-chloro-4 methyl 7 coumarinyl) phosphate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

9. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal from 20 to 45 mg./kg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 1.5 to 1 parts by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0- di-(2-chloroethyl)-O-(3-chloro-4-methyl 7 coumarinyl) phosphate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

10. The method of treating helminthiasis which comprises administering orally to an animal from 10 to rug/kg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 1 to 1.5 parts by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0- diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate, said administering taking place within such period of time as will allow a beneficial interaction between the benzimidazole and the organo-phosphate.

11. An anthelmintic composition comprising from to 100 mg. of 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.15 to 0.03 part by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0 diethyl-O-naphtha]oximido phosphate.

12. An anthehnintic composition comprising from 50 to 100 mg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.35 to 0.17 part by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0-di-(2-chloroethyl) O (3 chloro 4 methyl 7 coumarinyl)phosphate.

13. An anthelmintic composition comprising 100 mg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.25 to 0.5

part by Weight, relative to the benzimidazole, 0,0-dimethyl-O-2,4,S-trichlorophenyl phosphorothioate.

14. An anthelmintic composition comprising 100 mg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl) benzimidazole and mg. of O-methyl- O-(4-t-butyl-2-chlorophenyl)methyl phosphoroamidate.

15. An anthelmintic composition comprising from to 300 mg. of l-methyl-Z-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.1 to 0.02 part by Weight of 0,0 diethyl O- naphthaloximido phosphate.

16. An anthelmintic composition comprising from 100 to 300 mg. of 1-methyl-2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.2 to 0.03 part by weight, relative to the benzimida- Zole, of 0,0 di-(2 chloroethyl)-O-(3 chloro-4-methyl-7- coumarinyl phosphate.

17. An anthelmintic composition comprising 100 mg. of l-methoxy-Z-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and 5 mg. of 0,0-diethyl-O-naphthaloxidimo phosphate.

18. An anthelmintic composition comprising 100 mg. of l-methoxy-Z-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 0.1 to 0.2 part by weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0 di-(2-chloroethyl) O (3 chloro 4 methyl 7 coumarinyl phosphate.

19. An anthelmintic composition comprising from 20 to 45 mg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 1.5 to 1 parts by Weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0- di-(2-chlo1'oethyl-O-(3-chloro 4 methyl-7-cournarinyl)- phosphate.

20. An anthelmintic composition comprising from 10 to 15 mg. of 2-(4'-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and from 1 to 1.5 parts by Weight, relative to the benzimidazole, of 0,0- diethyl-O-naphthaloximido phosphate.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,811,480 10/1957 Norris 424--220 3,162,574 12/1964 Forsyth 424247 OTHER REFERENCES Chem. Abst., 58: 14637F (1963). Chem Abst., 61: 7574H-7575a, (1964). Galvin: Vet. Bulletin, vol. 32, p. 460 (1962).

STANLEY J. FRIEDMAN, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 

